The Blackwell Legacy

 PC
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 96 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 61 out of 96
  2. Mixed: 28 out of 96
  3. Negative: 7 out of 96

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. eTurkey
    Jan 15, 2012
    8
    The Blackwell Legacy is the first title in a series of four (thus far) adventure games set in present day New York City. The game itself follows the seemingly antiheroine protagonist Rosangela Blackwell, a young twenty-something writer who struggles to find her place in the world after the death of her only remaining relative. T.B.L. uses an engine called Adventure Game Studio or AGS forThe Blackwell Legacy is the first title in a series of four (thus far) adventure games set in present day New York City. The game itself follows the seemingly antiheroine protagonist Rosangela Blackwell, a young twenty-something writer who struggles to find her place in the world after the death of her only remaining relative. T.B.L. uses an engine called Adventure Game Studio or AGS for short, so 'old school' admirers will no doubt get a kick out of the retro sprites used instead of modern day animation for graphics. Sadly, Legacy is rather short and can be finished in a single session over a rainy day weekend yet it only makes you hungry for more! :D… Expand
  2. Jschnitzz
    Jul 22, 2012
    9
    An AMAZING! Point & Click Adventure game, for those who are fans of that genre should definitely check this game out. The Story is absolutely wonderful, and you find yourself playing without the care of what time is it. While intrigue to solve the mystery. The only negative, is that this game story is short. Yes, way too short. But, that doesn't take away any of the goodies it contains.An AMAZING! Point & Click Adventure game, for those who are fans of that genre should definitely check this game out. The Story is absolutely wonderful, and you find yourself playing without the care of what time is it. While intrigue to solve the mystery. The only negative, is that this game story is short. Yes, way too short. But, that doesn't take away any of the goodies it contains. Besides the short story line, I highly do recommend it.
    9/10    … Expand
  3. Freez
    Jan 14, 2012
    10
    This game is excellent! if you've played Gemini Rue by the same company (one of my most favorite games) then you will love this aswell. The only bad thing about this game is that its way to short, so i would suggest getting all 4 which they sell as a bundle off of steam for way low price of $15. If you like the point and click style adventure games than you should seriously play this, theThis game is excellent! if you've played Gemini Rue by the same company (one of my most favorite games) then you will love this aswell. The only bad thing about this game is that its way to short, so i would suggest getting all 4 which they sell as a bundle off of steam for way low price of $15. If you like the point and click style adventure games than you should seriously play this, the graphics are an early 90's style which has alot of charm to it and you will either like or dislike... One of the best things about Wadgeteye Games who made this and Gemini Rue was the fact that it has no hint system, we can all get a walkthrough online for any game but id personally rather walk around for an hour pulling my hair out because im stuck trying to figure it out and finally figure it out and feel accomplished than to just click a button and be told how to do it...maybe thats just me. If you think the graphics are oldscool so it must suck then you are wrong, ask yourself do you think the first 3 Star Wars movies are worse than the newer 3 because it was made nearly 40 years ago? i think the old ones are better, again, that might just be me. Excellent game, hope they keep making more oldschool style ADV games (especially Sci-fi like Gemini Rue) :)… Expand
  4. overfiend87
    Aug 7, 2013
    10
    As the first it does it's job in setting up the gameplay and the story, however I felt the story didn't get started fast enough, but that's just my opinion. I swear is some hangs outside a building, claiming to know everyone I'd thump him.

    A fun little adventure game with a lot of questions about the metaphisical and what happens to spirits when they finally pass on either with sins as    As the first it does it's job in setting up the gameplay and the story, however I felt the story didn't get started fast enough, but that's just my opinion. I swear is some hangs outside a building, claiming to know everyone I'd thump him.

    A fun little adventure game with a lot of questions about the metaphisical and what happens to spirits when they finally pass on either with sins as living or sins they developed whilst a spirit. Wadjet games appear to be all about the story which is why I'm going to keep supporting this company.    … Expand
  5. JonesR
    Mar 7, 2012
    4
    I wasn't too impressed with this one. There's not a whole lot of user interaction and there are several spots where it feels more like listening to a book than playing a game. The inventory system is useless and the notebook mechanics need improvement. As a stand alone game, it offers an ok story that ends too abruptly leaving too many unanswered questions. I can only hope there's more toI wasn't too impressed with this one. There's not a whole lot of user interaction and there are several spots where it feels more like listening to a book than playing a game. The inventory system is useless and the notebook mechanics need improvement. As a stand alone game, it offers an ok story that ends too abruptly leaving too many unanswered questions. I can only hope there's more to unravel from the sequels, yet this first episode left nothing that compels me to play them.… Expand
  6. DickPain
    Mar 29, 2017
    4
    I really wanted to like this game, but the notepad and inventory mechanics are a long way from intuitive. There were several times where I knew what I wanted to do, but I couldn't because I hadn't combined everything with everything, or hadn't exhausted seemingly unnecessary conversation trees. I know that's the A B C of adventure games, but when you have to start grinding through all theI really wanted to like this game, but the notepad and inventory mechanics are a long way from intuitive. There were several times where I knew what I wanted to do, but I couldn't because I hadn't combined everything with everything, or hadn't exhausted seemingly unnecessary conversation trees. I know that's the A B C of adventure games, but when you have to start grinding through all the combinations rather than working it out with your head, it becomes a chore rather than a pleasure. Still, the graphics and the idea of the game is good, it's just several of the puzzles play out poorly. Disappointed.… Expand
  7. vahn
    Jul 14, 2013
    8
    Definitely a good adventure game, with a very interesting story behind and so much more to know about in the next chapters. It plays as an old style adventure game by point and click, both in graphics and interactions, and while some might "dislike" the old style graphics, it's also one of its charms. However, my biggest grudges of this game are mainly 3: 1) The main character. While it'sDefinitely a good adventure game, with a very interesting story behind and so much more to know about in the next chapters. It plays as an old style adventure game by point and click, both in graphics and interactions, and while some might "dislike" the old style graphics, it's also one of its charms. However, my biggest grudges of this game are mainly 3: 1) The main character. While it's simple and "normal" in her own way, I honestly never liked her whiny and moaning attitude that "often" happens during the game: I know it's how she is and that a normal person would "probably" act like this, but I just couldn't get into her like the developers hoped for. It's not a Guybrush Threepwood, but not even a bad one either. 2) Too easy. Aside from some specific points where it required some attention, the game is very easy to figure out how to play and even if I admit that I DID look at a walkthrough, I only did it twice, and only because I have missed some dialogues. I don't think it's a big flaw, but I do hope it'll be better in the next installments. 3) Too short. Finished in about 4-5 hours...the game itself isn't expensive, sure, but it ended so fast! I was enjoying the story so much when the game stopped, and even if I know there's other chapters to play, the fact that it's short is a bit concerning. But aside from that, this is a very nice adventure game and I can see a lot getting unfolded in the next installments. Give it a look and see for yourself: if you like this one, you will probably continue the story.… Expand
  8. GolovA
    Sep 11, 2017
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. First in the series of five games.
    It is an alright game.
    Finished in 5 hours (leisurely / slow-thinker mode).

    Everything about this game is average. Puzzle solving is innovative (at least for me) in that it does not involve using items from the inventory (even though the inventory is still present), but rely no combining clues and dialogue. Solutions to some puzzles are not believable and awkward - for example [spoiler] , in the hospital - why can't Joey, who's a ghost, take a pick at the list of allowed visitors and tell Rosa which name to use, so the guard will let her pass?

    Stuff like that however, does not prevent the game from being cute. Voice acting is pretty good too. The story - again - just alright, but i hope this is a setup for the following iterations of the series.

    En Resumen:
    An Alright and Short Adventure.    … Expand
  9. JimCorbett
    Nov 23, 2014
    6
    I should start off by saying i'm not a fan of point-and-clicks to begin with. The Blackwell Legacy didn't change that. I played this because i was told it had a great story and was one of the better point and clicks available. I thought the story wasn't any good. Your typical run of the mill story that had an unlikable protagonist. The mechanics were the same as all other games in theI should start off by saying i'm not a fan of point-and-clicks to begin with. The Blackwell Legacy didn't change that. I played this because i was told it had a great story and was one of the better point and clicks available. I thought the story wasn't any good. Your typical run of the mill story that had an unlikable protagonist. The mechanics were the same as all other games in the genre and I didn't see anything that would set it apart. Disappointing.… Expand
  10. mtroni
    Jun 26, 2016
    9
    Great start for the series- although it is clear that both the story, the inventory system and even if I love oldschool graphics, the character and backgrounds are in development and the developer is still finding his flow with the characters and story, this is where the seeds get sown! These days you can get the whole Blackwell series for like 15 bucks or less during summer sales or otherGreat start for the series- although it is clear that both the story, the inventory system and even if I love oldschool graphics, the character and backgrounds are in development and the developer is still finding his flow with the characters and story, this is where the seeds get sown! These days you can get the whole Blackwell series for like 15 bucks or less during summer sales or other large sales so go grab it if you love your oldschool adventure games. Rosa really belongs up there in the pantheon of adventure game protagonists together with Guybrush, Simon, Indy, etc.… Expand
  11. PictoPirate
    May 17, 2017
    6
    Some interesting ideas, brain tickling puzzles and well fleshed out characters are let down somewhat by a game that feels a little too short to be ultimately satisfying. However, the Blackwell Legacy shows a lot of promise and with a bit more content and a bit of spit and polish it could be a really worthwhile series going forward and I look forward to seeing the series develop.
  12. timmytime
    Aug 31, 2021
    0
    Spoiler free-tips;
    *Remember to right click on things as well - sometimes the 'look' option is different to the standard left-click use
    *If an 'obvious solution' isn't working, try combining things in your notebook. *If you're still not getting it, don't be ashamed to peek at a walkthrough for a hint... the game is never quite 'Moon Logic' but there are certain things which could have    Spoiler free-tips;
    *Remember to right click on things as well - sometimes the 'look' option is different to the standard left-click use
    *If an 'obvious solution' isn't working, try combining things in your notebook.
    *If you're still not getting it, don't be ashamed to peek at a walkthrough for a hint... the game is never quite 'Moon Logic' but there are certain things which could have been better sign-posted or less fiddling with interface. It smells of "early in a designer's career"

    With those caveats... I liked this. I played because I enjoyed Unavowed and thought I'd dive into this series. I've heard the later ones are better. There is a fairly compelling story with some neat twists and surprises. I'll give the later ones a go too.    … Expand
  13. ibitato
    Jul 17, 2013
    7
    The game is well done and fair on the puzzles. the story is good and lets you into.
    I find the scenario and graphics good enough.
    I understand this is the first chapter of a series, but it's too short.
    Even for me, that I am horrible at playing adventure games, its short.
    although I do feel game difficulty is just right, to get most of ppl involved.
    Good game overall, short experience
  14. lutteres
    Dec 8, 2013
    6
    Presentation 5
    Blackwell Legacy is an old School point and click game with equally old school visual.
    Despite looking like an old sierra game from the 90’s it was actually made back in 2006. You will have to put in consideration that this is an indie game, so the productions values won’t be AAA grade. Other than that, the environments are fairly well drawn and colorful, but the low res    Presentation 5
    Blackwell Legacy is an old School point and click game with equally old school visual.
    Despite looking like an old sierra game from the 90’s it was actually made back in 2006. You will have to put in consideration that this is an indie game, so the productions values won’t be AAA grade.
    Other than that, the environments are fairly well drawn and colorful, but the low res sprites make distinguish stuff in the background a difficult task some times.
    The animations are decent; they do their job and that’s it.
    Sound 7
    The voice acting is composed mostly of amateurs but it is surprisingly good, considering. Makes you think about the supposed “professional” voice actors we ear in AAA games these days.
    The sound quality is not the best, but it won’t put you off.
    The soundtrack, although a bit unconventional, works well in the games favor.
    Story 7
    The story centers around a loner named Rosangela Blackwell, who’s a writer/reporter for an obscure journal. After the death of her aunt’s, she finds out that she is actually a medium, imbued with the task of helping ghost move on to the afterlife with the help of a ghost named Joey.
    Although the meat of the story and the ending, are a bit lack luster, what makes the game worthwhile is seeing how the two main characters, Joey and Rosangela, build their relationship throughout the game.
    Gameplay 6
    The gameplay is very basic but effective: your task is to simply find and combine clues with an aid of a notebook, in order to uncover the reasons behind a mysterious suicide. That is it!
    The problem with this system is that it is very limiting. The second problem is that there is little for you to do or interact, throughout the course of the game, which makes it feel like a giant cut scene. And the third problem, it is too easy.

    Value 5
    My other gripe with the game is that it is extremely short: about 2 to 3 hours long, although the developer added some commentaries and extras, I don’t see the value in paying full price for it, when there is better point and click games out there in the same price range.
    So, if you want to try it out, I recommend you buying the Blackwell Bundle which comes with the complete series (four games at the moment).
    In conclusion: Blackwell Legacy is an interesting point and click game that I think will satisfy the fans of the gender, but it will not convert “non believers”.
    I give it a 6/10 (7/10 for the fans of point and click games)    … Expand
  15. YntoCCabile
    Jun 27, 2014
    7
    Point'n'click classy adventure with a redhead, not very social "journalist" as a main character. Story was pretty good with logical gameplay (not just random combining stuff like in many adventure games) although not very long. What I like most on this game is that every single conversation is dubbed.
  16. gennaroRonnega
    Dec 27, 2015
    7
    that's a good old school point and click adventure with retro graphics. I only played the first episode and I must say the story is interesting at first, but I don't know if I like where it's going. I don't know if it's me or it is just that these kind of gaming is much better than the recent adventures, I played the first episode of "The wolf among us" ad I found it not being fun as thesethat's a good old school point and click adventure with retro graphics. I only played the first episode and I must say the story is interesting at first, but I don't know if I like where it's going. I don't know if it's me or it is just that these kind of gaming is much better than the recent adventures, I played the first episode of "The wolf among us" ad I found it not being fun as these kind of games.
    I must say I didn't understand the "notes" mechanics at first, when you have to compare the clues, and the inventory is useless. The game is more about talking to poeple than actually solving problems. The programming is good but not faultless, and the gameplay and the menus are also too retro. but the dialogues are actually with audio. It's a little short but you don't feel like it has a story that's being artificially made longer than it should be.

    Suggested to old school point and click fans. Even though seven days a skeptic was far more interesting    … Expand
  17. agurczuk
    Jun 21, 2016
    8
    A really nice short adventure game.

    This is a first in a series of adventure games made by Wadjet Eye. Game follows story of a young reporter Rose who meets a ghost who is for some reason bound to the female part of Rose's family. Together for reasons mysterious to them both they are forced to solve together crimes and mysteries to help ghosts get to the other side. The graphics are    A really nice short adventure game.

    This is a first in a series of adventure games made by Wadjet Eye. Game follows story of a young reporter Rose who meets a ghost who is for some reason bound to the female part of Rose's family. Together for reasons mysterious to them both they are forced to solve together crimes and mysteries to help ghosts get to the other side.

    The graphics are really nice - though at 640x480 resolution on bigger screens seem a bit too pixelated in my opinion. In window mode work great though. The story is quite interesting, puzzles well designed and make sense. The ability to connect things through the notebook is a nice feature as well.

    The game do feel a bit short though but it's a minor complaint.

    Voice acting is ok but it's nice that it's there at all. Wasn't expecting it when I launched the game.

    Definitely worth playing if you're into adventure games as this is a very solid position.    … Expand
  18. ArcanaThe4th
    Aug 7, 2019
    7
    Blackwell Legacy is a fun game, with a lot of personality and story in it, but I feel like it is so short that it stops me just before fully immersing myself into that story. Regardless, as someone that is a big fan of ghost and mystery stories, this game offers a good thing to both. it does have the occasional poorly designed puzzle, but that's par for the course in adventure games many times.
  19. MadAlf
    Mar 26, 2021
    9
    Good short quest, which put a start to a great series of adventure games. I prefer look on it as first episode.
  20. kassalex
    Mar 12, 2023
    9
    a játék nagyon jó! a karakterek nagyon jól meg vannak írva. a történet izgalmas csak sajnos elég rövid
  21. Fyxhcl
    Dec 1, 2021
    7
    The score refers to the entire serie, single games score would be one point lower, but all together they gain value.

    Classic point and click games with very little innovation. The pixel graphic is nice, the story is good and the setting is fascinating. Gameplay is very simple, a few puzzles are a bit obscure and you don't receive many hints about them. Starting from the second game    The score refers to the entire serie, single games score would be one point lower, but all together they gain value.

    Classic point and click games with very little innovation. The pixel graphic is nice, the story is good and the setting is fascinating.

    Gameplay is very simple, a few puzzles are a bit obscure and you don't receive many hints about them. Starting from the second game you can also use the second character, and while what you can do is limited, it's a nice addition.

    The games last few hours (except maybe for the last one) after which there is no replayability. You'll be entertained by them but it only makes sense to play them in a row since the plot is connected. Suggested only to the fan of the genre, play the first one and decide if you want to know what happens next.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Adventure Gamers
    70
    Although it doesn't quite match the classics, The Blackwell Legacy has more to offer than just nostalgia. Its appeal will depend on how interesting you find the story.
    Read full review
  2. GameWatcher
    73
    If this were a TV show, one watch of this and any TV network would commission a full series – much like any adventure game fan who tries this will almost certainly follow this series throughout its run - provided it sticks to a somewhat regular release schedule.
    Read full review
  3. Four Fat Chicks
    80
    The Blackwell Legacy is an outstandingly written and acted adventure game, only held back by limitations of the fairly primitive game engine and, perhaps, some design decisions. It readily gets a "Thumb Up" from this reviewer. As one who particularly enjoys story and narrative, I found The Blackwell Legacy to be compelling, involving, memorable.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »